For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ADAPTIVE RE-USE. To restore a dwelling or building, with some changes, so that it can be utilized in a manner other than its original use.
ALTERATION. Any material change in the external architectural features of any designated landmark or to a structure within an historic district, or in the interior of any such structure when and to the extent that its interior features are specifically included in the relevant designation.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS. A certificate issued by the Historic Preservation Commission authorizing and allowing an alteration, demolition or new construction to a designated landmark or structure within an historic district that is consistent with the property’s character and is in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
DEMOLITION. The substantial deterioration or the removal or destruction, in whole or in part, of any designated landmark or structure within an historic district.
DESIGNATED LANDMARK. Any historically significant building, structure or archaeological site that has been designated as a landmark pursuant to the procedures described herein and adopted by the Historic Preservation Commission.
HISTORIC DISTRICT. A specific, definable geographic area that possesses a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE.
(1) The attributes of a designated landmark or historic district that possess integrity of design, location, setting, materials, workmanship and association and:
(a) Are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of the city’s history;
(b) Are associated with the lives of persons significant in the city’s past;
(c) Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction;
(d) Represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinctions; or
(e) Have yielded or are likely to yield information in prehistory or history.
(2) Cemeteries, birthplaces or graves of historical figures, properties owned by religious institutions, or used for religious purposes, structures that have been moved from their original locations, reconstructed historic buildings, properties primarily commemorative in nature, and properties that have achieved significance within the past 50 years, shall not be considered to be of historic significance, unless they are integral parts of districts that meet the above criteria or if they fall within the following categories:
(a) A religious property which is primarily significant for its architecture or secular history;
(b) A relocated building which has a high degree of architectural significance or which is the primary structure associated with an individual or an event;
(c) The birthplace or gravesite of an historical figure, if no other built feature survives which is directly associated with his or her productive life;
(d) A cemetery primarily important because of its age, distinctive design features or association with the graves of persons of transcendent importance, or which is associated with historic events;
(e) A reconstructed building when accurately represented in a suitable environment as part of a restoration master plan and when no other building with the same association has survived;
(f) A property primarily commemorative in intent if design, age, tradition or symbolic value have given it significance; or
(g) A property achieving significance within the past 50 years if it is of exceptional importance or is unique in the city.
(Prior Code, § 278.02) (Ord. 94-16, passed 2-14-1995; Ord. 2017-20, passed 10-10-2017)